Which Actor is the Frontrunner to Star as the New Doctor Who?

As we prepare to meet the new Doctor Whothis Sunday, it looks like My Family star Kris Marshall is still the frontrunner to enter the TARDIS next time around. Taking over from Peter Capaldi, the bets are still running on who will be tuning their sonic screwdriver to play the thirteenth Doctor for the BBC.

We already saw hints of the Doctor’s infamous regeneration during July 1’s season finale “The Doctor Falls”, and the stage is set for a new era. Continuing as the 11th season of the show since its reboot in 2005, Doctor Who promises all change for the BBC’s sci-fi drama. In addition to Capaldi’s departure, showrunner Steven Moffat will be replaced by Chris Chibnall in season 11.

Betting site Odds Checker confirms that Marshall is still in the No.1 spot for odds-on playing the next Doctor. With current odds as high as 1/2, you won’t get much for your money when betting on the 44-year-old. Coming in second place is Phoebe Waller-Bridge, so could we be getting our first ever female Doctor? Bets on Waller-Bridge soared after the Fleabag creator hinted the next Doctor could be a woman. “The Doctor Falls” also fanned the flames that the TARDIS will be getting a woman’s touch, as John Simm and Michelle Gomez‘s alternate versions of the Master teased an all-woman future.

Equally popular – and currently in third place – is Black Mirror and Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker. Friday Night Dinner star Tom Rosenthal is in fourth place for a younger version of the Doctor, and Homeland veteran David Harewood rounds off the top five. BAFTA Award-winning Michaela Coel is currently in sixth place, while Doctor Strange‘s Tilda Swinton is at seven.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Fleabag

However, with Marshall refusing to address rumors that he is playing the Doctor, and quitting his long-term role on the BBC’s Death in Paradise, all signs point to him playing the legendary time-traveller. However, even when we do find out who will be the next incarnation, we will still have to wait another five months until the Christmas special and Capaldi’s swansong. In classic Doctor Who tradition, the current actor usually bows out during the festive episode and ushers in the new blood.

However, with even Christmas special director Rachel Talalay claiming she has no idea who will be the next Doctor, it is still anyone’s guess who it will actually be. Either way, we are sure to kick off season 11 of the popular prime time show with a bang when it eventually airs in 2018. The BBC promises to reveal the identity of the mystery Doctor after Wimbledon’s Men’s Final on July 16th, so we don’t have long to wait.